COMMUNITY FORUM

Builer didn't use green board in bathroom

Our builder (house built in 2000) did ot use green board for any of our bathrooms with showers. They maintain that in Michigan you don't need green board as long as there is proper ventalation. The builder did install exaust fans in both bathrooms with showers. Can anyone tell me what the real answer shoudl be? How can I look at the code books the builer is supposed to follow w/o paying the hefty price?

You do not need a code book to find out the answer to a specific question. All you need to do is call the local building inspections department and ask your code related questions. They will be happy to answer them at no charge.

The reason the green board is almost never noticed is that the building inspector comes to check the framing and the insulation, and then the next inspection is generally for a final to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy. At his point in time the drywall has already been painted or covered with wallpaper, ceramic tile, etc. and he has no way to check it.

Green board should ALWAYS be used in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. whether ventilation is provided or not. It is a building code requirement it all locals, that I am familiar with, to provide an exhaust fan in the bathroom. This has nothing to do with using green board.

While green board is the standard for wet areas it may or may not be covered by your building code. If it is, I would file a complaint with your inspections department and also notify your builder that he was in violation of the code and demand he fix the problem and get it up to code. The warrantee should have no bearing on this item if the house was built contrary to the building code.

K2 is right about the Durarock and Hardibacker being far more water resistant than green board however these materials are meant as a backer for ceramic tile applications not slick finished painted or wallpapered areas. If you have ceramic tile shower stalls, the backer should be at the very least green board. (Even though green board is not adequate for these extremely wet areas it is often used and accepted in many areas.) Cement board like Hardibacker, Durarock, or Wonderboard are far superior in these locations.